First Look Friday is an introduction to the products that we are currently testing for review. This week we’re featuring the Scott Genius Plus 720, Brunox Deo, and Versus Socks.
Scott Genius Plus 720
Scott was one of the first big players to launch “Plus” bikes in both Scale (Hardtail) and Genius (Dual Suspension) platforms. There are several models to chose from and we’ve been sent a Genius Plus 720 to test.
Featuring 130mm of rear wheel travel paired with a 140mm fork, the Genius is aimed at riding trails all day long. It’s great to see Scott fitting a Fox 34 as it will go a long way to keep you and the bike in check on technical terrain. With the traction and grip that comes with 2.8-inch tires, the extra stiffness and control from the Fox 34 will be a welcome relief.
Features:
- 148mm Boost Rear Axle Width
- Adjustable geometry via shock mount chip
- Direct post mount rear brake
- IDS SL Dropout system works with 142x12mm, 135x12mm and 135x5mm QR rear axle standards
- Twinloc lever system
- Internal cable routing
Full specification:
- FrameGenius PLUS Alloy 6061 custom butted, Hydroformed tubes / tapered Headtube, BB92 / U-Mono Link / rear 180PM, IDS SL DM dropout for 148x12mm Boost, BB height adj. / Full Internal Cable Routing, 130mm rear travel
- TravelFront: 140mm, Rear: 130mm
- ForkFOX 34 Float Performance Air, FIT4 3-Modes, Boost 15x110mm QR axle / tapered steerer, Lockout / reb. Adj. / 140mm travel
- Rear ShockFOX Float Performance Elite / 3 modes, DPS / Lockout – Trail – Descend, reb. Adj. / 190X50mm
- Remote SystemSCOTT TwinLoc Remote Technology, 3 modes front and rear / integ. clamp
- HeadsetSyncros Comp / Tapered 1.5″ – 1 1/8″, semi integ. OD 50/61mm / ID 44/55mm
- F. DerailleurShimano Deore FD-M618-E / DM
- R. DerailleurShimano XT RD-M781 SGS / DM, Shadow Type / 20 Speed
- ShifterShimano Deore SL-M610-I, Rapidfire Plus / 2 way release, Ispecs
- BrakesShimano SLX M675 Disc, 180/F and 180/Rmm SM-RT54 CL Rotor
- CranksetShimano FC-M627-B Boost, 2-piece Design, 36Ax22 T
- BB-setShimano BB-MT500-PA / shell 41×89.5mm
- HandlebarSyncros FL2.0 T-Bar, Alloy 6061 D.B. / T shape Flat / 9° / 740mm
- StemSyncros TR2.0, 6061 / 4D forged / oversize 31.8mm, 1 1/8″ / +6° angle
- SeatpostX-Fusion Hilo Strate custom / 125mm adj., internal cable routing / remote
- SeatSyncros XM2.0 / CROM rails
- Hub (front)Syncros CL811 / Boost 15x110mm, made by Formula
- Hub (rear)Syncros CL148S / Boost 148x12mm, RWS axle / made by Formula
- ChainKMC X10
- CassetteShimano CS-HG50-10, 11-36 T
- SpokesDT Swiss Champion Black 1.8mm
- RimsSyncros X-40 / 27.5″ / Tubeless Ready, 40mm wide / 32H / Eyelets
- TyresSchwalbe Front: Nobby Nic EVO / 2.80×27.5; Rear: Rocket Ron EVO / 2.80×27.5 PaceStar compound / Tubeless Easy
- Weight13.8 kgs
- Retail PriceR46,000.00
We will weigh in on the Plus vs Fat vs 29″ vs 27.5″ debate once we’ve done a good couple of rides on varying terrain.
From the Manufacturer
The phrase “Any Trail, Any Time“ was coined a few years back to describe the Genius series. The all NEW Genius 720 Plus makes that phrase ring even truer. Adding plus sized wheels to what is already one of the most capable rigs on the market ups the level of traction, comfort, and most importantly fun hogging. Sporting an Alloy frame, the 720 comes in at a lower price point. Rocks, roots and boosts beware, this bike is ready to rumble.
Brunox Deo
At the Africa Cycle Fair, we spend some time with the team behind Atlantic Cycle Products, the official importers for Brunox in South Africa. Timing could not have been better as testing the Brunox Deo will help weigh in on a recent discussion.
Said to help clean your fork and shock stanchions and lubricate dust seals to keep them in full working order for longer. Although not an exact science we will use the Deo on one of our own long-term bikes to gauge it’s effect and then compare that to the rest of the forks and shocks in use.
RRP: R 95,00
Stockists here.
From the Manufacturer
Brunox Duo for cycling forks
Like daily tooth care the endurance and function of a bicycle fork can only be guaranteed by thorough and regular maintenance. A little Brunox Deo is sprayed on between submerge- and stand-pipe before and after each tour. Afterwards, spring the fork shortly for several times and you can see suddenly the difference. Brunox Deo keeps the sealing rings in soft condition and does not adhesive dust.
Brunox Deo has an excellent penetration ability because of the additive Turboline, keeps the sealing rings smooth, so that you can execute your work even better.
- Spray a little Brunox Deo on to the fork pillars before and after each ride and see the significant effect.
- Brunox Deo keeps the sealing rings flexible whilst resisting dust; ensuring optimal conditions for best performance.
- Brunox Deo protects seals, adjusting screws, fixings and all pneumatic parts of the forks. A few drops after cleaning will act as a barrier to dirt and ensure long term protection.
- Brunox Deo is also recommended by Sitting Bull for sprung seat pillars.
- Recommended by RockShox.
Deo stands for: Easy care with great effect!
Versus Socks
Versus Cycling Socks is a Stellenbosch based company who believes in creating socks that are affordable, comfortable, durable and just outright sexy. The idea to launch their own sock range came while Jurgens Uys and Hanno Lategan were out riding in Jonkershoek. Since then the company has grown in reputation and several designs and cuts have been added including lady specific ones. We were send three pairs to test.
Their range of socks are available to buy online or from their dealer network with prices ranging from R79 to R89.
Is riding a PLUS bike like riding a scooter?
Lots of fun until your mates see you?